What is it that makes an activity ‘Montessori’? The primary goal of the Montessori philosophy is: “Help me to do it myself.” This is why Montessori activities promote self-sufficiency, independence, critical thinking, and fine motor development. Most importantly, Montessori activities are tailored to children’s interests and developmental needs.
1. Follow the Child
Montessori activities are self-motivated. Each child is free to follow their interests, choose their own work, and progress at their own pace. As Doctor Maria Montessori stated: “I have studied the child. I have taken what the child has given me and expressed it and that is what is called the Montessori method.”
Following the child allows each individual to engage deeply with their learning. Instead of directing or controlling the experience, educators act as guides who carefully observe and respond to the child’s cues and choices. This creates a learning environment rooted in respect, autonomy, and trust.
2. Control of Error
Montessori materials are designed with a control of error which makes them auto-instructional. This means that the child is able to discover and correct their own errors without adult intervention. The Montessori materials encourage independence, freedom of choice, and confidence . Children achieve the outcome of the materials through repetition and practice.
When an activity has built-in control of error, children are empowered to become self-correcting learners. This reduces dependency on adult feedback and encourages perseverance, problem-solving, and self-awareness. The process becomes just as important as the outcome.
3. Sensory Exploration
Maria Montessori discovered that children learn best when their senses are engaged in a learning activity. The child, to Montessori, is a “sensorial explorer”.
Montessori activities are rich in textures, sounds, shapes, and movement. Children might trace sandpaper letters, pour grains from jug to jug, or match objects by touch. These sensorial experiences lay the foundation for abstract thinking and meaningful connections to the world around them.
4. Learn By Doing
Children learn by doing. Montessori education introduces complex and abstract concepts through hands-on activities that involve sensory based learning materials.
Instead of memorising information, children engage with materials that embody the concepts they are learning. For example, counting beads help children understand quantity, and movable alphabets support early literacy. This active learning approach nurtures deeper understanding and long-term retention.
5. Isolated Skills & Concepts
Montessori activities focus on developing one skill or concept by breaking it down into simple steps. Each step must be completed before the outcome of the activity can be achieved.
This careful isolation helps children build mastery one concept at a time. It avoids overwhelming them with too much information and supports clarity in both the learning process and the result. Each step builds upon the last, gradually increasing complexity while respecting the child’s pace.
6. Independence
The Montessori classroom is a prepared environment that invites interest and activity. Children are encouraged to explore at will, experience their own abilities, and learn to do things for themselves.
Materials are placed on child-height shelves and activities are designed to be completed independently from start to finish. This environment sends a clear message: you are capable, trusted, and free to choose. Independence is not only encouraged, but deeply embedded in every part of the classroom.
7. Concentration
The Montessori work cycle provides children with an uninterrupted opportunity to work with the Montessori materials, repeat activities at will, and develop deep concentration.
Uninterrupted time is essential for concentration to take root. When children are allowed to focus without interruption, they enter a state of flow where meaningful learning occurs. Over time, they develop the ability to concentrate for longer periods, which positively impacts all areas of development.
8. Intrinsic Motivation
Motivation in a Montessori classroom is not focused on punishments or rewards. Children engage in learning activities because they satisfy their innate desire to understand their world.
By trusting the natural curiosity of the child, Montessori education creates a space where learning is joyful and purposeful. The absence of external rewards reinforces that the true satisfaction lies in discovery, growth, and accomplishment.